Landlords have called time on the original Woolpack from ITV's Emmerdale and it may never open again.

Fans of the soap flock to the 177-year-old boozer but landlords Nichola and Richard McGrath say they can't make it pay.

Their decision to quit, four years into a 10-year lease, means the pub in Esholt, West Yorks, is set to become one of the 40 pubs a week which are closing in Britain. Nichola said: "In summer its very busy here but in winter its deadly quiet and the two just don't make up for each other.

"We've had enough of working 90 hours a week and want to spend more time with the children. Also its not easy being tied to a pub company with inflated rents and beer prices. We've loved every second here. We're devastated for the villagers and will miss the village terribly. But hopefully Enterprise Inns won't leave it long before they get someone else in. We'll be back for a pint when they do."

Although filming switched from The Woolpack 11 years ago, it still attracts tourists from as far away as Canada, Japan and New Zealand.

In 2004 it was bought from Bradford Council in 2004 by villagers desperate to preserve its charm.

But their plan backfired and when they put it up for sale again it was snapped up by Enterprise Inns.

A spokesman for the owners said: "Enterprise Inns is aware that Mr and Mrs McGrath have temporarily closed The Woolpack and we are in discussions with them."